Schumacher Happy with Driver Aids Ban Delay

World Champion Michael Schumacher has praised Formula One's governing body, the FIA, for delaying the introduction of a ban on electronic driver aids until next season.

The ban on aids, such as traction control, automatic gearboxes and launch control, was due to be introduced at this year's British Grand Prix but the FIA said they could not afford the cost of policing it at the same time they face an arbitration process from the McLaren and Williams teams.

"I think it is reasonable that the ban has now been shifted to next season because I think it is better if we can prepare for it over the winter," Schumacher said.

Schumacher has always been a staunch supporter of driver aids, however, and he admitted he would be happier if the FIA had changed their minds altogether and continued to allow their use next year.

"I have never made any secret of my opinion of the electronic driver aids," he said. "I think they are good because they give drivers the possibility to get the maximum potential out of the car with no compromises."

The new regulations already introduced, such as the changes to qualifying, have been praised for igniting a new excitement in the sport by mixing up the grid and creating more overtaking. But Schumacher believes the jury is still out.

"Everybody has their own conception into which direction a re-organisation would have to go. My impression is that it is not completely clear how effective it is yet," he said.

"But I personally like the old system, which I grew up with. Perhaps the younger drivers who have this new system will see it completely differently. In the long run I will drive under whatever rules are given."